Bristol Particle Physics Consolidated Grant 2022-25

The Bristol particle physics group will search for evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model, and work to understand the properties of new phenomena. We will carry out this study using a range of approaches and experiments.

At the CMS experiment at the CERN LHC, we will search for signatures of new physics such as the production of dark matter in Higgs boson decays. In the absence of a discovery, we will combine statistical information from our observations with results from cosmology and direct dark matter searches, to rule out potential theories of new physics. We will also use the very large datasets produced at the LHC to study the production and properties of the top quark, a standard model particle with unique properties.

We will use a complementary approach to search for new physics at the CERN LHCb experiment. Here we will look for subtle signatures of new physics in the decays of mesons containing heavy quarks, particularly in decays to electrons and muons where current data indicates possible discrepancies. We will use similar approaches to test current ideas about the nature of fundamental quantum symmetries.

We will continue to use the NA62 experiment at the CERN SPS to study the decays of kaons to look for signs of new physics, and the SOLID experiment at the BR2 reactor to study neutrino oscillations on an ultra-short baseline of 5-10m. We will also participate in the Mu3e experiment to search for lepton flavour violation, and prepare for the long-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment DUNE.

The group will pursue R&D for future experiments, including upgrades for CMS and LHCb, and the SHiP experiment at the CERN SPS which will use a very high intensity beam to search for 'dark particles' that are signatures of physics beyond the Standard Model. We will continue to work on the detailed design and optimisation of detectors for a future Higgs factory or hadron collider.

We will also continue our programme on the development of new sensors and technologies, including collaboration with industry in order to generate impact from our work in the healthcare, energy, security and other sectors.